My wife & I just returned from our first trip to Sand Valley. Unfortunately, we weren't able to play Sedge (thunderstorms) or Lido (access) during our stay. For context we played Sand Valley > Sandbox x2 > Mammoth. Both SV & MD were played in high heat and winds of 15-25mph. I had not read this course profile before going but I did think the master plan seemed a little odd when we were there given the location of the courses relative to when each was built. Then I read this after we got home and saw that the original starting and finishing holes of MD were intended for a different spot. I think everything at SV will feel different in a few years with the evolution that includes the commons and practice facility but I would love to know where the clubhouse was originally planned when Kidd routed the course. Based on the overhead map it looks like there were only a few places it could have been if all he did was reorder the routing: 16 becomes 1/15 becomes 18 (closer to the entrance and north side of the sandbox but further from SV), 12/11 (in the northeast corner a long way from everything else), or 5/6 (near 8 & 9 SV / Craig's Porch and seems most likely?). If it was indeed originally intended to start on 6 and end on 5 I wonder how that would change the perception of the course as the stretch of 2-6 was my favorite in the routing. Overall, I thought the design did promote interest relative to angle of play, but would benefit from more variety of risk and club selection. I played better while my wife played worse compared to SV but that seemed to be more related to our respective putting performances than anything else. We both enjoyed Sand Valley more than Mammoth but will definitely play it again the next time we go. The aspects that left me wanting to play again were the conditions, the size of the greens and likely hole location variety, the dramatic dunescape, and the high quality of several shots/holes (2-6, 8-11, 13-14, the second into 18). It did not play as firm as Sand Valley, the Loop, or Scotland but it was way above average and an aspect of golf I value as much as almost anything else (probably because it seems so rare).

Ahhh, very fair very fair, if the feeling of the inn remains but the shower pressure improves who am I to argue

Exactly! The mid pines inn has the feeling of an old Vanderbilt hunting lodge … hope that stays

If Royal Portrush was a character from Derry Girls, who would it be and why?

It's all in the execution, right? Just like restoring or renovating a golf course—if the buildings at Mid Pines and Pine Needles are refurbished in ways that violate their history and character, criticism will certainly be warranted. But I think we should allow for the possibility that, much like Kyle Franz's work on the golf courses, these upgrades will be respectful to the heritage of the resorts. I don't think we can reasonably expect Kelly Miller just to let these places age.

Here’s to hoping, but I won’t be holding my breath! Even the biggest golf sickos including those with substantial money to toss around (not me!) in this area have no clue what they are doing out there. I get that it’s his money and he can do what he wishes and invite whoever he wants, but it would be a real shame if no one ever gets to see what Doak believes to be one of his best courses.

For sure, I don't even think it's comparable. The previous boom was a proliferation of Red Lobsters and Olive Gardens, this is a more Nobu and STK. How many elite high end courses can SEC country support, especially if jet fuel booms in price?

Gil Hanse doesn't miss when it comes to marketing and salesmanship. Same cannot be said for his courses.

Gil Hanse doesn't miss when it comes to marketing and salesmanship. Same cannot be said for his courses.

It does have too many boring holes. I think Andy has it exactly right with Harding - the greens are just too flat to be interesting at the level they should be. I really enjoy the routing - it's a fantastic walk, has a nice pace, and it sure is gorgeous. But the issues with it are what they are. Thansk for the response - I agree with you!